I need some help understanding my credit score?

when you pay things off your credit I know that they stay up there for 7 years, but by paying it off does it really help you?, cause everyone can still see that it's up there? and does it help my credit score out any when i pay these things off? HOW DO YOU GET POINTS ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE? THANKS

Public Comments

1. Satisfying payment on any credit account will have a positive effect on your credit score. Of course, it won't erase the negative effect of a delinquent account. Pay down your debt as aggressively as you can and you'll see your credit score improve dramatically over time.
2. At http://www.mycreditadvise.com you'll find helpful tips and advice on understanding credit scores.